John Swire & Sons Interview Questions
& Process

I had a 20-minute video interview with 4 behavioral questions and a business case question. The behavioral questions covered adapting to new environments, dealing with confusing information, building relationships, and achieving challenging goals. The business case question asked for suggestions on how a local mall could improve customer experience and sales.

First, you'll submit your resume and cover letter online or through a referral. HR will then review applications to pick out candidates who fit the job requirements. It's a good idea to tweak your resume to show off achievements and use keywords from the job description. Next, a recruiter or HR person will do a quick phone or video chat. They'll check out your background, what makes you tick, how you communicate, and what you want to earn. After that, team leads or experts will dive into your technical skills, how you solve problems, and if you know the field. This might involve case studies, tricky questions, or hands-on tests. For example, if it's about vessel operations, you could get questions on planning trips, port paperwork, or cutting costs. Then, you might face a manager or a panel with a few interviewers. They'll look at how you work with others, your leadership style, and how you make choices. Expect questions about scenarios and how you've handled situations before, using the STAR method. The last chat is with HR again to make sure you're a good fit for the company culture, confirm expectations, and see when you can start. This is also to lock in pay, your start date, and go over company rules. If all goes well, you'll get an offer letter and then info on how to get started, including background checks, paperwork, and training.

The interview process felt structured but also pretty conversational. It kicked off with questions about my background and what motivates me, then moved into solving some problems based on different scenarios. They really focused on whether I was curious, if I'd fit into the company culture, and if my values aligned with Swire’s. I liked that they looked at both my technical thinking and personal insights, which seemed to reflect how Swire thinks thoughtfully and plans for the long term.

The interview process involved an Online Video Interview (HireVue), followed by an Online Aptitude Test (SHL). Then there was a Business Case Group Discussion and finally a Final Interview. Dates were: 08/03/2023 for the video interview, 12/03/2023 for the aptitude test, and 30/03/2023 for the group discussion and final interview. The business case was pretty easy. Unfortunately, I failed after the final interview.